Cambridge Audio CXN (V2) Network Player

Basic Analogue Connections

There are two analogue connection options for the CXN:

1. Line Output Connection (RCA): Connects via RCA cables. Diagrams illustrate connection to amplifier/receiver rear panels.
2. Balanced Audio Connection (XLR): Connects via XLR cables. Diagrams illustrate connection to amplifier/receiver rear panels.

Basic Digital Connections

There are two digital connection options for the CXN.

Note: If using either digital output, the signal bypasses the CXN's DAC and is processed by the connected unit (e.g., CXA81).

1. Digital Coaxial Output: Commonly used with CD players and amplifiers due to higher bandwidth.
2. TOSLINK Optical Output: Commonly found on televisions, DVD players, and A/V units, offering lower bandwidth.

Control Bus

The Control Bus allows control of other CX series units. Diagrams illustrate connections using the provided Control Bus cable.

The StreamMagic app can also be used to control other CX series units via the CXN's Control Bus.

CXN with CXA (via StreamMagic app)

When using the app to turn the CXN on/off, this will also turn the CXA on/off. The app can also control the CXA's volume. Connect the CXN Control Bus Out to CXA Control Bus In.

CXA with CXN

Note: This connection does not use the StreamMagic app to control the CXA. When turning the CXA on/off, this will also turn the CXN on/off. Connect the CXA Control Bus Out to CXN Control Bus In.

CXA with CXN and CXC

When turning the CXN on/off, this will turn the CXA and CXC on/off. Connect the CXN Control Bus Out to CXA Control Bus In, then connect the CXA Control Bus Out to CXC Control Bus In. Note: Do NOT loop back from the CXC Control Bus Out to the CXN Control Bus In. The Control Bus must also be enabled and set to 'Amplifier' within the CXN device settings in the StreamMagic app.

Note: If a device with APD (Automatic Power Down) enabled switches off due to inactivity, it will also switch off other connected devices.

Connecting to a Wired Network

1. Connect a network cable (Category 5/5E straight-through Ethernet) between the CXN (V2) and your router.
2. Your CXN (V2) will automatically connect to the network.

An illustration shows the rear panel with an Ethernet cable connected.

Connecting to a Wireless Network

Important note: Do not plug/unplug the wireless dongle when the unit is on.

1. Ensure your CXN (V2) is in range of your wireless router, and then power on your unit.
2. On an iOS device, go to Wi-Fi settings and under ‘SETUP NEW AIRPLAY SPEAKER’, select 'CXN v2'. For Android, follow on-screen prompts on the front panel display to connect the CXN (V2) to your chosen Wi-Fi network. Select your network from the list and enter your password.
3. Once connected, download and install the StreamMagic app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store to complete setup.

Note: Wi-Fi network passwords are case sensitive.

Character entry is typically used for entering Wi-Fi network passwords, searching for radio stations and content on UPnP servers, and customising the CXN (V2) name and digital input names.

To enter text:

1. Use the front panel rotary encoder to scroll through each symbol.
2. Using the IR remote control, navigate horizontally and vertically.
3. Press Enter on the front panel or remote control to select the highlighted character.

A [Delete Icon] (X) deletes the last character selected.

A [Cancel Icon] (X) cancels the text entry process.

A [Submit Icon] (arrow) submits the entered text.

Spotify Connect

Use your phone, tablet, or computer as a remote control for Spotify. Visit connect.spotify.com to learn more.

TIDAL (Connect)

1. Open the TIDAL app and choose the playlist, album, song, etc., you wish to stream to the player.
2. Select the Sound Output devices icon within TIDAL and choose your Cambridge Audio network player from the list.
3. TIDAL Connect should now be streaming your chosen content to the player.

TIDAL (via StreamMagic)

1. Open the StreamMagic app and navigate to the Library tab, then select TIDAL.
2. Note: Please sign into your TIDAL account when prompted. This is only required on the first instance of use to link the account to the StreamMagic app.
3. Choose the playlist, album, song, etc., you wish to stream to the player.
4. TIDAL should now be streaming your chosen content to the player.

Qobuz (via Chromecast)

1. Open the Qobuz app and choose the playlist, album, song, etc., you wish to stream to the player.
2. Select the Qobuz Connect icon within Qobuz and choose your Cambridge Audio network player from the list.
3. Qobuz should now be casting your chosen content to the player.

Qobuz (via StreamMagic)

1. Open the StreamMagic app and navigate to the Library tab, then select Qobuz.
2. Note: Please sign into your Qobuz account when prompted. This is only required on the first instance of use to link the account to the StreamMagic app.
3. Choose the playlist, album, song, etc., you wish to stream to the player.
4. Qobuz should now be streaming your chosen content to the player.

Deezer (via Chromecast)

1. Open the Deezer app and choose the playlist, album, song, etc., you wish to stream to your player.
2. Select the speaker icon within Deezer, then select 'Google Cast'. Choose your player from the list.
3. Deezer should now be casting your chosen content to your player.

Deezer (via StreamMagic)

*Deezer is only available within the StreamMagic app when running firmware version 022-a-131 or later and StreamMagic app version 2.10.0 or later.

1. Open the StreamMagic app and navigate to the Library tab, then select Deezer.
2. Note: Please sign into your Deezer account when prompted. This is only required on the first instance of use to link the account to the StreamMagic app.
3. Choose the playlist, album, song, etc., you wish to stream to your player.
4. Deezer should now be streaming your chosen content to your player.

StreamMagic app

To search and assign a preset:

1. Within the StreamMagic app, navigate to the Radio tab.
2. Use the 'Search for Radio' tab or enter a Custom URL by selecting 'URL'.
3. Note: Ensure the custom URL stream uses one of the following supported file types: ALAC, WAV, FLAC, AIFF, DSD (x64), WMA, MP3, AAC, HE AAC, AAC+, and OGG Vorbis.
4. Once you have located the station, select it and you will be prompted with the option to 'Play now' or 'Add to presets'.
5. Add the station to your desired preset (1-99).
6. You will receive confirmation that the station is saved.

To remove a preset (iOS):

1. Within the StreamMagic app, navigate to the Home tab.
2. Scroll to the bottom to find your player's Presets, and select EDIT.
3. To remove a station, tap the [Delete Icon] and then press Delete.

To remove a preset (Android):

1. Within the StreamMagic app, navigate to the Home tab.
2. Scroll to the bottom to find your player's Presets, and select EDIT.
3. Tap on the station you wish to remove.

Front Panel Controls

1. Press the Home button. Using the front panel knob, navigate to Radio.
2. Search for stations by location, genre, or name.
3. Once located, select and play the station.
4. While the station is playing, press Home and navigate to Presets > [Set Preset].
5. Use the front panel knob to select your chosen preset. This will be confirmed on the display.

Note: Presets 1-8 can also be assigned using the remote control (press and hold a number key). Presets 9-99 are only accessible via the StreamMagic app.

PC Setup

Note: Before connecting your PC, install the Cambridge Audio Windows 2.0 USB driver. A link to the driver is provided.

1. Connect your CXN (V2) to your PC. After installing the driver, use a USB audio cable (Type A to Type B) to connect the CXN (V2)'s USB Audio In to a USB port on the PC.
2. Select the USB Audio source:
   • Via front panel: Home > Inputs > USB Audio.
   • Via StreamMagic app: Home tab > Sources > USB Audio.
3. Switch the USB Class:
   • Via front panel: Home > Settings > Audio > USB Audio Class > Toggle between USB Audio Class 1.0 or 2.0.
   • Via StreamMagic app: Home tab > CXN (V2) Settings > USB Audio Class > Toggle between USB Audio Class 1.0 or 2.0.
4. Navigate to the CA Control Panel (installed in your Windows taskbar) to view connected Cambridge Audio USB Audio devices and current sample rate.
5. On your PC, navigate to Settings > System > Sound. Select the CXN (V2) as your output device (it will appear as 'CA CX USB Audio').
6. Within the same window, under Related Settings, select 'Sound Control Panel'.
7. On the Playback tab, ensure 'CA CX USB Audio' is the default output device, then select Properties.
8. Within Speaker Properties, navigate to the Advanced tab. Select the desired bit depth and sample rate preference. Select Apply, then OK.

Your PC's output will now playback via the CXN (V2).

Screenshots of Windows settings are provided.

Mac Setup

1. Connect your CXN (V2) to your Mac using a USB audio cable (Type A to Type B) or USB Type C (Thunderbolt 3) to USB Type B connection.
2. Select the USB Audio source:
   • Via front panel: Home > Inputs > USB Audio.
   • Via StreamMagic app: Home tab > Sources > USB Audio.
3. Switch the USB Class:
   • Via front panel: Home > Settings > Audio > USB Audio Class > Toggle between USB Audio Class 1.0 or 2.0.
   • Via StreamMagic app: Home tab > CXN (V2) Settings > USB Audio Class > Toggle between USB Audio Class 1.0 or 2.0.
4. Within System Preferences on your Mac, locate Sound settings. Select the 'CA CXN Audio Class 1 / 2' as the output sound device.
5. On your Mac, navigate to Applications > Utilities > Audio MIDI Setup. Select the 'CA CXN USB Audio 2' as the output sound device and choose the desired bit depth and sample rate preference.

Your Mac's output will now playback via the CXN (V2).

Screenshots of Mac settings are provided.

USB Media Playback (via Front Panel Controls)

1. Connect a USB SSD, HDD, or flash drive to a front or rear panel USB Input.
2. Press the Home button on the front panel, then navigate to Music Library.
3. Locate the USB device and select the track, album, or folder you wish to playback.
4. Upon selecting a track, you will have the option to ‘PLAY FROM HERE’, ‘PLAY TRACK NOW’, ‘PLAY TRACK NEXT’, or ‘QUEUE TRACK’.

USB Media Playback (via StreamMagic app)

1. Connect a USB SSD, HDD, or flash drive to a front or rear panel USB Input.
2. Navigate to the Library tab of the StreamMagic app.
3. Under USB Drives, locate your USB Media device and open it.
4. Upon selecting a track, you will have the option to ‘PLAY FROM HERE’, ‘PLAY TRACK NOW’, ‘PLAY TRACK NEXT’, or ‘QUEUE TRACK’.

Playback Options

• PLAY FROM HERE: Playback of an album/folder begins from this point onwards.
• PLAY TRACK NOW: The selected track plays immediately.
• PLAY TRACK NEXT: The selected track is added to the queue and plays next.
• QUEUE TRACK: The selected track is added to the playback queue.

Device Name

This is how your player appears in your StreamMagic app and on your home network when using services like Spotify, Chromecast built-in, and TIDAL Connect. A unique name makes it easier to distinguish your player.

AirPlay Name

This is how your player appears when using AirPlay 2 or the Apple Home app.

Standby Mode

Selects the type of standby mode your player uses:

• Network Standby mode: Your player remains controllable by the StreamMagic app and other network services.
• Eco mode: Uses less power than Network Standby but requires the unit to be switched on via the front panel or remote control before it can be seen and controlled by network services.

Automatic Power Down

Sets how long the player waits while inactive before switching to standby.

Display Brightness

Sets the brightness of your player's display. If set to 'Off', the display shows for a few seconds after any change and then switches off.

USB Audio Class

Sets the USB Audio Class for the USB Audio input.

• USB Audio Class 1.0 (default): Works with USB 1.1 ports and supports up to 24-bit/96kHz.
• USB Audio Class 2.0: Requires a USB 2.0 port and supports up to 32-bit/384kHz (asynchronous) and DSD 128/256 via DoP (PCM). An additional driver may be required depending on your PC or laptop.

Roon Ready DSD

Allows you to choose how Roon provides DSD content.

• Use DoP for digital output: If your device supports native DSD in DoP format.
• Use PCM for digital output: If your device doesn't support native DSD.

Control Bus

If your device is connected to a Cambridge Audio amplifier using a control bus connector, volume commands can be sent directly to the amplifier. Refer to the 'Getting Connected' section under 'Control Bus' for more information.

Pre-amp

With Pre-Amp mode enabled, the volume of the device's line output can be controlled using the app, the remote, or the rotary dial.

Volume Limit

Sets the maximum volume that other streaming services (AirPlay 2, Spotify, TIDAL Connect, Chromecast built-in) can set. The front panel, remote control, and StreamMagic app volume controls can override this setting.

Early Update

Provides the opportunity to receive pre-release firmware for your CXN (V2). Select 'On' to subscribe, 'Off' to opt out. Information on current early updates can be found here.

Firmware

Checks for and applies any new firmware available for your network player. You can also check for updates on the info screen. When left in network standby overnight, your player will check and apply new updates.

Note: Your network player must be connected to the internet to carry out firmware updates. Keeping your network player connected is recommended for optimal performance. Information on the latest firmware version can be found here.

Factory Reset

Returns your player to its factory settings. You can perform a factory reset via the front panel controls/remote (Home > Settings > Factory Reset) or via Settings in the StreamMagic app.

Note: Returning the player to its factory settings will delete all previously saved network settings and presets.

General Help Guidelines

If you have trouble connecting the CXN (V2) to your network:

• Confirm a connected computer can access the Internet using the same network.
• Check for a DHCP server or configure a static IP address on the CXN (V2) via Settings > Network Config > Edit Config (select 'No' for 'Auto (DHCP)'). DHCP is recommended.
• Check if UPnP is enabled on your router.
• Ensure your network's firewall is not blocking outgoing ports (minimum required: UDP and TCP ports 80, 554, 1755, 5000, 6000, and 7070).
• Check that your access point does not restrict connections to a particular MAC address (view radio's MAC address via Settings > Network Config > View Config > MAC address).
• If using an encrypted Wi-Fi network, ensure the correct key or passphrase is entered (text-format keys are case-sensitive). If a 'Wireless error' appears, re-enter the passphrase. Consult your network configuration if the problem persists.
• Check the Wi-Fi dongle is securely connected to the unit and in the correct USB port.
• Check the unit's Wi-Fi signal strength by pressing and holding the front panel [Info Icon] button. If the signal is low, try a wired Ethernet connection.
• If issues persist, reboot and/or factory reset your router.

If your CXN (V2) connects to the network but cannot play particular StreamMagic stations:

• The station may not be broadcasting at this time (consider time zones).
• The station may have reached its maximum number of simultaneous listeners.
• The station may no longer be broadcasting.
• The link in the database may be out of date.
• The Internet connection between the server and your location may be slow.
• Try playing the stream via the broadcaster's website on a computer.

If you have problems with UPnP playback:

• Ensure your UPnP server software can serve the file type you are accessing (some servers do not serve FLAC).
• The CXN (V2) only plays non-DRM files. Files with DRM controls cannot be played. Some servers may authorize and de-crypt Microsoft Playsforsure, but this is not guaranteed.
• For 24-bit WAV or FLAC content, a wired Ethernet connection is normally required due to bandwidth considerations.
• Check the CXN (V2) can play back the file type (WMA, AAC, MP3, Vorbis, FLAC, and WAV are supported). ALAC, WMA Pro, WMA lossless, RAW, AU, or other file types are not supported.

If you have problems with USB Media playback:

• Check the CXN (V2) can play back the file type (WMA, AAC, MP3, Vorbis, FLAC, and WAV are supported). ALAC, WMA Pro, WMA lossless, RAW, AU, or other file types are not supported.
• The CXN (V2) only plays non-DRM files.
• Ensure your device does not require more than 1A if powered from the USB socket.
• Check your device is formatted in FAT32/NTFS format.
• Organize USB media logically (e.g., folders for Artists, then sub-folders for Albums) to improve browsing performance. Libraries with thousands of tracks in one folder will slow down media browsing.